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The competition aims to inspire young people to increase their knowledge of growing food from seed to plate and encourage healthy eating and creative cooking. 

Rodger Hobson, chairman BCGA, said: “The idea to run a schools’ carrot growing competition arose following the success of our first ever British Carrot Day, which now takes place annually on 3rd October.

“We want to offer children a fun way to get curious about carrots – how to grow them and the many creative ways to eat and cook with them – be it sweet, savoury or simply to snack on. The taste, versatility and nutritional value of carrots are, I believe, the reasons they are one of the nation’s favourite vegetables.

“In terms of fun facts our annual production equates to the weight of 70 Eiffel Towers and provides around 100 carrots each for every member of the UK population. Carrots are also worth £290 million to the UK economy and yet, they are one of the cheapest vegetables to buy.”

Applications to schools are now open and will work on a first come first serve basis, attracting up to 20 schools across the country. The deadline to apply is Thursday 30th April and each successful applicant will receive their seeds and QR code with further guidance and resources shortly after submission.

The competition requires schools to keep a carrot diary, create a three-course carrot menu and take a carrot harvest celebration photo. To apply for this competition, enter via the form here.

The winning school team will win a digital certificate to download, a £200 National Garden Gift Card and a fully funded opportunity to visit a farm, depending on location, to meet with a farmer and discover more about growing carrots on a farm scale.